It was one year ago today when the Amtrak Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, welcomed its first passengers. New Orleans and Company President and CEO Walt Leger says they expected about 75,000 passengers to board the trains in the first year; instead, ridership was about 150,000.
“Doubling up what the expectations were really demonstrates demand that was there and what connectivity can do for our region,” Leger said.
Leger says the Mardi Gras line has led to a 20% increase in visitors to the city from the Mobile area, giving New Orleans a huge economic boost.
“That translates to about 30,000 more visitors, and thousands of hotel room nights associated with those folks who are extending their stays,” Leger noted.
Leger says the fact that one could easily visit New Orleans without renting a car makes taking a day trip or a weekend trip to New Orleans via the Mardi Gras line very easy.
“You walk right across the street; you can hop on a streetcar that will connect you to downtown; can switch cars at Canal Street and make your way out to City Park. You can certainly head down Canal Street to the hotels, restaurants and other attractions down at that end at the Riverfront,” Leger explained.
Leger says plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.
Comments